ULIS, a designer and manufacturer of the widest range of thermal image sensors for commercial, defense, and security applications, has set a new performance record for bolometers, now matching speeds of high-frame-rate cameras. The thermal sensor gained a response time that is 4× greater than standard bolometers. ULIS has achieved this faster speed without any trade-off in sensitivity; the company is the first to overcome this technological challenge in its aim to significantly raise the overall Factor of Merit (FoM) of bolometers. FoM, a relative measure of thermal sensor sensitivity against response rate, is a key parameter used by camera makers to compare the performance of thermal sensors. In contrast to standard bolometers, ULIS’ quicker response time means that it can detect fast-moving objects without producing a blurred image. This new pixel technology enhancement, in conjunction with the bolometer’s comparably lower price, makes it ideal for inclusion in machine vision cameras, where high frame rates for in-line quality inspection are required but previously the cost of adopting thermal imaging had been prohibitive. The bolometer will also have wider application in defense, such as in missile warning systems. “ULIS is thrilled with the outstanding results we have achieved in improving both the response time and sensitivity of the bolometer,” said Sébastien Tinnes, marketing team leader at ULIS. “This is proof of the continued strength of our affordable pixel technology and the skill set within our R&D teams. We feel camera makers will benefit tremendously from thermal image sensors, which, when used in conjunction with visible or SWIR cameras, can provide valuable additional information on product quality.”